• Journal of Sensor Science and Technology
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.299-304
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• 2019

Recently, the development of rehabilitation medical technology has resulted in an increased interest in speech therapy equipment. In particular, research on articulation therapy for communication disorders is being actively conducted. Existing methods for the diagnosis and treatment of speech disorders have many limitations, such as traditional tactile perception tests and methods based on empirical judgment of speech therapists. Moreover, the position and tension of the tongue are key factors of speech disorders with regards to articulation. This is a very important factor in the distinction of Korean characters such as lax, fortis, and aspirated consonants. In this study, we proposed a Korean electropalatography (EPG) system to easily measure and monitor the position and tension of the tongue in articulation treatment and diagnosis. In the proposed EPG system, a sensor was fabricated using an AgCl electrode and biocompatible silicon. Furthermore, the measured signal was analyzed by implementing the bio-signal processing module and monitoring program. In particular, the bio-signal was measured by inserting it into the palatal from an experimental control group. As a result, it was confirmed that it could be applied to clinical treatment in speech therapy.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.291-298
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• 2020

Purpose: The detection and exact localization of penetrating foreign bodies are crucial for the appropriate management of patients with dentoalveolar trauma. This study compared the efficacy of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and spiral computed tomography (CT) scans for the detection of different foreign bodies composed of 5 frequently encountered materials in 2 sizes. The effect of the location of the foreign bodies on their visibility was also analyzed. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, metal, tooth, stone, glass, and plastic particles measuring 1×1×1 mm and 2×2×2 mm were prepared. They were implanted in a sheep's head in the tongue muscle, nasal cavity, and at the interface of the mandibular cortex and soft tissue. CBCT and spiral CT scans were taken and the visibility of foreign bodies was scored by 4 skilled maxillofacial radiologists who were blinded to the location and number of foreign bodies. Results: CT and CBCT were equally accurate in visualizing metal, stone, and tooth particles of both sizes. However, CBCT was better for detecting glass particles in the periosteum. Although both imaging modalities visualized plastic particles poorly, CT was slightly better for detecting plastic particles, especially the smaller ones. Conclusion: Considering the lower patient radiation dose and cost, CBCT can be used with almost equal accuracy as CT for detecting foreign bodies of different compositions and sizes in multiple maxillofacial regions. However, CT performed better for detecting plastic particles.